Man and Family Fight for Vindication After Conviction

By Joseph Snook
Investigative Reporter

Nick Waldbillig

Bend, OR – Nicholas Waldbillig was a twenty-year-old college student, finishing his second year in Automotive Technology when he was accused of several sex crimes. The accusations included kidnapping, rape, sexual abuse and coercion, which were all claimed by his former girlfriend Julie Driskell.
He was arrested in Deschutes County by Bend police on the morning of September 29, 2010.

According to witness statements and court documents received, the following transpired in Nick Waldbillig’s case:

Julie Driskell

Julie claimed they spent hours talking about their relationship in her car, outside of her father’s home on the night of the alleged crime.
Next, she claimed Nick kidnaped her at gunpoint – with a fake gun – forcing her into his vehicle. She said he forced her to a nearby public parking lot and raped her in the back of his car. They were then interrupted by a security guard who told them they couldn’t be there. Without any conflict or request for help by Julie, they left the parking lot. It was stated, “they went a couple blocks away by the train tracks and concluded their intimate behavior.” Julie exited Nick’s vehicle without any altercation and eventually went back to his car where she stated he then continued to rape her until just prior to dropping her off at her father’s house.
This is currently a US~Observer open investigation.

Moving forward to Nick’s Charges and Court Actions

Prosecuting Attorney Kandy Gies offered Nicholas several plea deals prior to trial. By the day trial arrived, Gies offered Nick a sweet 3 year sentence, and 7 years parole if he would enter into a guilty plea. Claiming he was innocent, he went to trial and fought for his freedom.
During trial, Judge Michael Sullivan reportedly wouldn’t allow crucial evidence that could have proven his innocence.
Gies reportedly only used partial evidence, that if was used in its entirety, would have potentially proved Nick’s innocence. Gies reportedly made a comment to the jury that, “the only reason this case went to trail was because the family had money”.

Julie Driskell

Judge Sullivan allowed Julie and one arresting officer, Don Jordan, to remain in open court during trial, listening to testimony from others before offering their own testimony. This alone could have allowed them to corroborate statements with others who testified, which clearly is not common practice and could have led to conflicting testimony. Both Julie and Officer Jordan should have been excluded from court proceedings since they were both witnesses.
Nick’s second defense attorney, Thomas Hill was a paid private attorney. He was court appointed two months before trial and reportedly had no time for Nick’s case when the family could no longer afford him. Hill continued to push Nick to take a plea deal.
Attorney Hill worked with the prosecution behind closed doors and only put on two and a half hours of defense during the seven day trial. Attorney Hill charged a hefty price for his work and had very minimal communication with Nick during the year he was on the case. Hill put forth no extra effort when Nick’s family inquired about obtaining expert witnesses – One family member stated, “once the money ran out, so did the effort from the defense attorney.”
Nick fought for his innocence with little help and very little investigation. Unfortunately, Nick was found guilty. Nick was convicted on March 29, 2012 and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Editor’s Note: The US~Observer is looking for information regarding statements Julie Driskell may have made and/or evidence about anyone else involved in this case. Ms. Driskell would not return phone calls, and was not available on numerous attempts to contact her in person. If you have any information, please contact – editor@usobserver.com.